What is a drug?

A drug is any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken

into the body, alters the body’s function either physically and/or psychologically.

Drugs may be legal (e.g. alcohol, caffeine and tobacco) or illegal (e.g. cannabis,

ecstasy, cocaine and heroin).

Psychoactive drugs affect the central nervous system and alter a person's mood,

thinking and behaviour. Psychoactive drugs may be divided into four categories:

depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens and 'other'.

What are the short and long-term effect of drugs on the body and mind?

The effects of drugs will vary from person to person depending on the persons

characteristics (such as physical size, gender, mood, diet, fitness, age, expectations

and health), the drug itself (such as the amount used and its purity), and how it is

taken and the environment a person is in when using the drug.

Some people become depressed, angry, aggressive, sleepy, unmotivated,

paranoid, anxious or talkative. Drug use can also lead to social and emotional

problems and negative effects on relationships with family and friends.

Common Types of Drugs

There are a wide variety of addictive substances that exist, but the most common

types are classified under six main categories: alcohol, benzodiazepines, illicit

drugs, opiates, sleeping pills and stimulants.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a legal controlled substance that slows down the body’s vital functions

when consumed in excess. Its many forms include beer, wine and liquor. Some of

the physical effects of heavy alcohol consumption are slurred speech, loss of

coordination and slowed reaction time. Psychological effects include inhibiting

judgment and lowering a person’s ability to think rationally. Typically, drinking

alcohol in moderation does not signify a problem. However, consuming more than
four alcoholic beverages per day for men – or more than three per day for women

– can indicate an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Typically, drinking alcohol in moderation does not signify a problem. However,

consuming more than four alcoholic beverages per day for men – or more than

three per day for women – can indicate an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Topics on Alcohol Addiction

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Alcoholism can stem from consumption and experimentation during a person’s

teen years. Knowing the symptoms and warning signs to look for can help

determine if an addiction is present.

Withdrawal and Detox

When an individual develops a tolerance to alcohol over time, they can

experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. The symptoms of

withdrawal are impacted by the amount, frequency and duration of alcohol abuse.

Treatment and Rehab

There are many treatment options available to help a person overcome the toxic

cycle of alcohol abuse. It’s important to recover from alcoholism under the

supervision of medical professionals.

High-Functioning Alcoholics

A high-functioning alcoholic is a person who is able to manage their everyday

responsibilities despite an underlying problem with alcohol abuse. It is particularly

difficult to identify the signs of a high-functioning alcoholic, and he or she might

deny their struggle if confronted.

Drunk Driving
Choosing to drive while intoxicated is often a telltale sign of alcohol abuse. Sadly,

getting behind the wheel after drinking can prove to be a deadly mistake. Over 30

percent of all car crashes in 2014 were caused by drunk driving.

Is There A Cure for Alcoholism?

While there is no cure for alcoholism, people can overcome an alcohol addiction

by attending a treatment program. Treatment for alcohol abuse can help a person

maintain their sobriety and manage alcohol cravings.

Alcohol and the Liver

Chronic drinking can increase a person’s risk of developing liver disease. Those

who struggle with excessive alcohol consumption will need treatment in order to

avoid major health complications later in life.

Genetics of Alcoholism
Individuals with a family history of alcoholism have a higher risk of incurring

alcohol abuse patterns at some point in their life. Research shows that genetics

make up 40 to 60 percent of a person’s likelihood of developing an alcohol

addiction